'Tis the Season for ...balls

French Connection, Chatswood Westfield.  
Portmans, Miranda.


Obviously a key seasonal prop.  I have to say that Portmans'  merchandising seems to have come off the boil somewhat, without a clear message of what they stand for - based on this and other displays I have noticed recently.

Competition hots up Outdoors

Chatswood Westfield mall.  These outdoor equipment retailers are side by side (Columbia and Mountain Designs).  I was struck by the similarity of offer and the difference  in execution - I know which one I would go into first !

The Hype

Hype, Chatswood Westfield.  Sharp looking merchandising and 'power-wall'.

Not much to this folly

Seafolly, Chatswood Westfield.  Simple, effective, evocative.

The Golden Arches of Pharmacy ?

Roy Young pharmacy, Chatswood Westfield.  I was tickled by the resemblance between this spring sale presentation and the famous golden arches.  However, full credit to this well-run pharmacy for stepping outside the usual in this normally staid sector.  This pharmacy is well worth a visit - golden arches or not - just don't expect a Happy Meal :)

Black is not so Brilliant

Brilliant jewellers, Chatswood Westfield. Ok, I accept this critique could be a bit harsh, but here goes. Why do so many jewellers insist on using black as a dominant colour ? I know it probably shows off the diamonds a bit better, but there are so many other dark background colours that could do that - even in an assortment of colour. The black absorbs light, so it makes these stores look grey and dull. The grey carpet here does not help either. Black is an upmarket colour, but probably only in fashion and design - and many mainstream (mall) jewellers do not fit that description. The black colour is recessive, just way too easy to walk past in the mall - they are probably doing themselves a disservice - not so Brilliant - although that's a catchy 'product feature' name. Buying jewellery should a joyful experience ??

fcuk HOT LIPS IN THE MALL

FCUK, Chatswood Westfield.  Visually strong.

The Shocking Truth

Prouds Jewellers, Chatswood Westfield. When Prouds have no pride - shocking POS and 'sale' presentation. This is not conducive to building any brand equity.

STOP SEX TRAFFICKING

Strong social message from The Body Shop takes them back to their origins. Interesting to see it translate into product as well.

Tree of Life and colour

Tree of Life, Chatswood. An extravaganza of colour and ethnic fabrics and products. They set themselves apart - you probably wouldn't find any black fashion items here. Their stores always look and feel vibrant, with the just the right amount of visual clutter for the concept to work. Worth a visit when you are feeling 'off-black' as opposed to 'off-colour' :)

ANOTHER RECESSION BUSTING DEAL

Game, Westfield Chatswood - give them credit - this is a strong offer, even if the execution is not my cup of tea.

IMPROVED PORTMANS

Portmans, Westfield Chatswood. Shopper interview - it seems that despite the older fitout in this store, they've lifted their game in terms of quality of assortment and range. Tough to do in this market.

CRED OFF THE WALL

SDS, Surf Dive n Ski, Westfield Chatswood, wall display lends street cred.

HOT WINTER WINDOW

SDS, Surf Dive n Ski, Westfield Chatswood - impactful window at the end of the mall.

SOLEFUL

SDS, Surf Dive n Ski, Chatswood Westfield. Striking display - probably supplier funded - Havaianas anyone ?

INSIDE THE HYPE

Hype, Westfield Chatswood. Innovative merchandising effect on the wall.

ED HARDY

Opening soon. Westfield Chatswood

Target on speed

Sped up x 4 view of Target shoppers shows traffic flows through womenswear department.  Chatswood, Westfield. Thursday lunch time.

TIDY DICK SMITH

store in new format and identity, in Westfield Chatswood.  Good use of space in a difficult store envelope.

TREE OF LIFE

store in Chatswood, Westfield.  Great use of colour, very inviting, while remaining true to the brand promise.